Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition wherein abnormal excessive sweating affects areas such as the hands, armpits, and feet. While it doesn’t affect a lot of people, it severely impacts the quality of life of those who do struggle with it and can interfere with their simple, everyday activities.
Some myths surrounding hyperhidrosis perpetuate an unkind behavior towards those who are vulnerable to oversweating or cause confusion or shame in those who suffer from it. If you feel like you’re sweating too much, consult with your doctor for the best way to address it. In the meantime, here are some myths and truths about excessive sweating that you need to know, according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHS).
Hyperhidrosis is Just Sweating
We all sweat, and some sweat more than others. This leads to most people dismissing hyperhidrosis as just another term for the regular sweating that human beings do. The truth is, it’s not just sweating: It’s abnormal sweating.
†According to a study published by UCSF Health, it can interfere with someone’s daily activities. People with palmar hyperhidrosis have wet, slippery hands that interfere with grasping objects, while excessive sweating in the feet increases the likelihood of .
Overly active sweat glands in your head, on the other hand, can lead to oil buildup in the scalp, which can . Manage the situation with CLEAR Complete Soft Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. It is formulated with amino acids and employs Triple Anti-Dandruff Technology to remove, resist, and prevent flakes from invading your scalp.
Since it also usually first manifests in childhood and adolescence, it can cause social embarrassment, leading to low self-esteem.
Myth 1: Hyperhidrosis is Caused by Poor Hygiene
The truth is, people with hyperhidrosis are likely to shower more, change their shirts often, , and be extra vigilant about . They can be ostracized because of the fear that they have this condition because they are unclean, which is simply not true. Hyperhidrosis can be caused by different factors, including genetics, obesity, hormonal changes, hyperthyroidism, and taking certain medications.
Whatever's behind your excessive sweating, keep your cool literally. Shower at least once every day. Because sweat tends to attract bacteria, which causes , wash up with Lifebuoy Antibacterial Body Wash Total 10. It has ActivSilver to get rid of 10 problem-causing germs, making you feel clean and protected.
Myth 2: If You Want to Stop Sweating, Don’t Move Too Much
The IHS stresses that hyperhidrosis is a physical condition, not a psychological one. Stress can be a trigger, so it would be good to manage it, but hyperhidrosis is not something that you can control or meditate away. Even if you’re completely still, you can still keep sweating.
The Australian Department of Health lists certain practices that can help manage hyperhidrosis at home. These include wearing loose clothing to let the skin breathe and using antiperspirant and deodorant for excessive sweating. Rexona Women Shower Clean Antiperspirant Deodorant Roll-On is formulated with MotionSense, which protects from sweat and odor as you move for up to 48 hours.
Myth 3: Your Sweat Glands are the Only Culprit.
According to the IHS, there are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis is when it’s a condition in itself, affecting specific body parts mentioned above. Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by another medical condition and affects larger areas of the body. In the case of the latter, it’s not your sweat glands causing your excessive sweating. It’s important to see a dermatologist to pinpoint the problem and create a plan for recovery.
Myth 4: Hyperhidrosis is Permanent, so You’ll Just Have to Live with It.
According to IHS, some patients are unable to sleep from excessive sweating at night, some can’t go to work and vacations, and some must wear layers upon layers of clothing even in extreme heat, just to mask the sweat marks. There certainly are ways to manage hyperhidrosis at home, as mentioned above. However, if it starts to affect your quality of life, it’s necessary to know that there are remedies available to you. The options suggested by medical experts may include Botox injections, topical medication, and surgery.
Manage your excessive sweating at home with antiperspirants, but make sure to consult with your dermatologist for a more long-term solution to bring back your confidence and quality of life.